Several Native American groups in The T&D Region have realized a long-awaited dream for legislation that sets standards for state recognition.

The bill sets the criteria through which the state Commission on Minority Affairs can recognize the groups and authorize state recognition among tribes meeting the standards. Gov. Mark Sanford signed the bill into law on July 2.

Having a historical presence in the state for the past 100 years and a minimum of 150 tribal members are among the criteria by which tribes are measured under the law. The legislation also states that the tribes, however, "have no power or authority to take any action which would establish, advance or promote any form of gambling" in the state.

The law additionally stipulates that state recognition provides "no basis for any interest in land."

Rochelle Riversflow Link, a member of the Beaver Creek Indian Tribe of Salley, said her people are simply glad to have the opportunity to finally be recognized as Native Americans.

"We know we can't take other people's land, and a lot of our people aren't interested in that. That's not really an important issue. We have a lot of Christian folk. Federal recognition would be even greater, but as long as our state recognizes us, that really will help us, too," Link said.

The Catawba Indian Nation is the state's largest and only federally recognized tribe. They are also the only tribe allowed to run a gambling enterprise in the state. The Catawba currently operate a high-stakes bingo hall in Rock Hill, and the tribe is seeking approval to develop a state-of-the-art bingo facility in Santee.

Link said having state recognition will make it easier for her people and other local tribal entities to apply for federal grants, which will advance the tribes' economic pursuits, particularly for their young and elderly populations.

Betty Slusher, tribal chief of the elders and political liaison for the Beaver Creek Indians Tribe of Salley, said the signing of the bill is long overdue. Recalling the discrimination her own family faced, along with her ancestors, she said the bill's passage was "the happiest day" of her life.

"I never was ashamed to be Indian. I just wanted to get up and holler to the world, 'I am of Indian blood, and I'm proud of it,'" the 70-year-old said.

The Beaver Creek Indians of Salley, the Santee Indian Organization of Holly Hill, the Chicora-Waccamaw Indian People of Conway and the Chalokwa Chickasaw Indians of Hemingway were among the members of the ad hoc committee that held meetings with commission officials on the legislation.

The law greatly expands the commission's duties to include the establishment of "advisory committees representative of minority groups" and helping minority groups procure "federal and other funding" on behalf of the state in the creation of programs and services.

Link said the state has a lot of history it can tap with recognition of its tribes. She said federal grants through the Administration of Native Americans and other national entities will not be so hard to come by now.

"If your state doesn't recognize you, then nobody's recognizing you," she said, saying the Beaver Creek Indian tribe is working to highlight its tribal heritage with the development of a cultural center in Salley.

Slusher said the high incidence of diabetes and hypertension among Native American populations also warrants the need for more health care services.

Louie Chavis, vice-chief of the Beaver Creek Indians, said state recognition is the first step in improving the lives of his people "and the future generation."

Santee bingo would be good for Catawbas, other tribes say

Native American tribes will now be able to gain state recognition with the passage of a House bill that sets up criteria through the state Commission on Minority Affairs. The long-awaited legislation has heightened the hopes of Native Americans, many of whom see it as a tool through which they will be able to procure more federal grants to increase tribal educational and health care programs.

The Catawba Indian Nation is the state's largest and only federally recognized tribe. It made news last week when it announced that it would seek approval to develop a state-of-the art bingo facility on a 100-acre site adjacent to Interstate 95 near Santee. The tribe already operates a high-stakes bingo hall in Rock Hill as part of a 1993 land claim settlement with local, state and federal governments. Officials of Native American tribes in The T&D Region had this to say about the Catawba plans:

-- Donna Ott, chief of the Pee Indian Nation of Beaver Creek of Neeses: "I'm torn between what the church teaches us and what we know about the economic status of Indian people. The church teaches us that gambling is wrong, but the economy tells us that the Catawba need a way to make money. I think it's a great economic boost for the people of the Catawba Indian nation. It seems like they have a solid economic plan. They have good leadership and have always presented a good image of Native Americans in South Carolina."

-- Louie Chavis, vice chief of the Beaver Creek Indians of Salley: ''I think it would be fine to have some economic growth. The economic factor would be great. Our people are still here. If it's a source of money to keep their people employed, I don't have a problem with it at all."

-- Running Wolf Bruner, chief of the Croatan Indian Tribe of Orangeburg: "There's good and bad aspects of it. I don't like the gambling side of it, but if the money is going toward education, schools and helping the Native American people in the county, I think it's a good thing and they should give it a try. If their main site is in Orangeburg County, then I think Orangeburg County residents and Native Americans should reap some of the benefits. I'd like to see it help everybody.''

T&D Staff Writer Dionne Gleaton can be reached by e-mail at dgleaton@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5534.

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